Jennifer Smith ASP Women’s World Longboard Champion
World Champion USA's Jenny Smith
Jennifer Smith (USA)
has been crowned the 2007 ASP Women’s World Longboard Champion, following
her victory in the Roxy ASP WWLC in Biarritz this afternoon.
“I feel so blessed to be in the situation I’m in right now,” Smith said. “I
made the final last year and lost, so to come back and make the final again
and take the title is just an incredible feeling.”
Smith was quick to give credit to her opponent in the final, Justine Dupont
(FRA).
“I was really on edge throughout the final. Justine is such a good surfer
and has been getting really high scores throughout the whole event,” Smith
said. “She’s only 15 and I have six years on her. She’s not going anywhere.
In six year’s time, she is going to absolutely annihilating it.”
Dupont, surfing in her first ever senior professional event, while
disappointed with her surfing in the final, was still amazed at what she had
achieved.
“I didn’t surf well in the final and didn’t deserve to win,” Dupont said.
“But this whole week still feels like a dream. I can’t really believe what
I’ve achieved. I might take a little while to sink in.”
Smith attributed her board selection as a big part in both her semifinal and
final victories.
“I rode my heavier board in these offshore conditions, “ Smith said. “It
allowed me to get into the waves way earlier than my lighter board. It
glides so well and longboarding is all about the glide.”
Earlier in the day Smith had accounted for Janna Irons (HAW) in their
semifinal. Irons, cousin to surfing superstars Andy and Bruce, however was
still happy with her best ever competitive result.
“I had a really bad surf in the semifinal,” Irons said. “But I’m still so
stoked with the result. And now I’ve won enough money that I won’t have to
work all summer.”
In the other semifinal
Dupont took out Chelsea Williams (AUS). After another strong start by
Dupont, Williams was always playing catchup.
“I just couldn’t get going out there,” Williams said. “It was frustrating as
I just couldn’t find the waves. Still, I came fifth last year, and third
this time round, so hopefully next year I’ll can go all the way.”
Aust's Chelsea Williams couldn't find the high scoring waves while 15yr old Justine Dupont managed to find the right waves right at the start of their semi final
For all the competitors thoughts will now turn to the 2008 Roxy ASP WWLC.
For Jennifer Smith however, the new ASP Women’s World Longboard Champion,
she is soaking up her new status and looking forward to tonight’s
celebrations.
“I’m going to go out with all the girl surfers here and run around have a
great time,” Smith said. “We are out to celebrate and party in the streets
of Biarritz.”
Roxy ASP WWLC Final Results
Jennifer Smith (USA) 11.00 def. Justine Dupont (FRA) 11.50
Roxy ASP WWLC Semifinal Results – 1st to Final, 2nd eliminated
Semifinal 1: Justine Dupont (FRA) 11.50 def. Chelsea Williams (AUS) 7.95
Semifinal 2: Jennifer Smith (USA) 11.00 def. Janna Irons (HAW) 9.00